Current Affairs - September 2, 2024 Current Affairs

The Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft made its first-ever European deployment by landing in France for the bilateral exercise 'Varuna' with the French Navy. This significant event marks the aircraft's first operation in Europe, taking place 63 years after the last Indian Naval aircraft, Alizé, operated from the INS Vikrant at Hyères airbase. The 'Varuna' exercise, scheduled from September 2 to 4, 2024, in the Mediterranean Sea, includes advanced tactical manoeuvres, reflecting the deepening defence ties between India and France.

The world's first fast-charging e-bus, named 'Veera Mahasamrat', was launched in Bengaluru by Veera Vahana and Exponent Energy. This innovative bus aims to enhance the travel experience by eliminating range anxiety with its rapid charging capabilities. Initially, it will operate on the Bengaluru-Hyderabad route, supported by the installation of four charging stations along the way. The introduction of this e-bus marks a significant advancement in sustainable transportation within the region.

The UN has initiated a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, aiming to vaccinate 640,000 children following the discovery of the first polio case in the region in 25 years. The campaign, which includes planned pauses in fighting, is crucial in preventing a potential outbreak. It begins in central Gaza, with efforts to ensure the vaccination is administered despite the ongoing conflict, highlighting the importance of immunization in vulnerable areas.

Dr DK Sunil was appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on August 31, 2024, taking over from CB Ananthakrishnan. Dr Sunil has been instrumental in leading significant projects such as the Active ESA Radar, Automatic Flight Control Systems, and key helicopter programs like the Indigenous Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and Utility Helicopter Maritime (UHM). His leadership in these crucial defence projects has positioned him as a prominent figure within HAL.

Indian para-athlete Sumit Antil secured his second consecutive Paralympic gold in javelin at the Paris Paralympics 2024 with a record-breaking throw of 70.59m in the F64 category. This historic achievement follows his earlier success in Tokyo, solidifying his status as a dominant force in para-athletics. Antil's performance is particularly noteworthy given his two-year absence from international competitions, making his return to the Paralympics a triumphant one.

Australia has announced a new policy to limit the number of international students to 270,000 in 2025, affecting various educational sectors. The cap is divided among public universities, private institutions, and vocational education, with specific exclusions for certain student categories. This decision follows earlier measures such as visa fee increases and higher savings requirements, which have already led to a decline in study visa approvals. Critics argue that this move could harm Australia's reputation in the global higher education market.

Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, aims to establish itself as a technological powerhouse by investing $4 billion in developing global technology hubs. The five selected cities - Noida, Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Prayagraj - will specialize in various areas such as IT, AI, drones, robotics, and Engineering Research and Development (ER&D), positioning Uttar Pradesh as a key player in India's technological growth.

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) was established in 1964 under the Food Corporation Act. It functions under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution. FCI plays a crucial role in India's food security by conducting price support operations, distributing food grains through the Public Distribution System (PDS), and maintaining operational and buffer stocks. These efforts ensure the availability of food grains across the country, stabilizing prices and securing food supply during shortages.

BEML Ltd. has started the prototype manufacturing of the 5RS-DM driverless Metro trainsets for Bangalore Metro's lines, including the airport line. This project, valued at Rs 3,177 crore, will deliver 53 six-car trainsets. These trainsets are designed with high-tensile stainless steel, advanced air conditioning, and modern passenger information systems. The initiative is part of Bangalore Metro's effort to enhance safety, efficiency, and capacity as the city's metro network continues to expand.

Mayank Chakraborty, a 15-year-old International Master from Assam, achieved his second Grand Master (GM) norm at a tournament in Greece. He is on the path to becoming the first Grand Master from North East India, needing one more GM norm and a FIDE rating of 2500. His current rating stands at 2431, making him the highest-rated player from North East India with the most GM norms.

The Deaf Shooting Championship, where India won 4 medals, was held in Hanover, Germany. Indian shooters showcased their talent, with Anuya Prasad winning gold, Abhinav Deshwal securing silver in two events, and Shubham Vashist winning silver and bronze. This international competition highlighted the skills of deaf shooters from around the world, with Germany serving as a fitting host.

Thulasi Murugesan achieved a notable milestone by winning a silver medal in the women's singles SU5 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024. As the first female para shuttler from India to win a Paralympic medal, she demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience. Murugesan overcame significant challenges, including a congenital hand deformity and mobility issues from past accidents, showcasing her remarkable determination and talent. Her success in Paris is a testament to her perseverance and excellence in para-badminton.

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) made history by becoming the first Indian company to achieve a consolidated turnover of ₹10,00,122 crore for the financial year 2023-24. This landmark achievement underscores RIL's dominant position in the Indian corporate sector. Alongside this revenue milestone, the company reported an EBITDA of ₹1,78,677 crore and a net profit of ₹79,020 crore, with significant contributions from its export business, which recorded ₹2,99,832 crore.

Nitesh Kumar won a historic gold medal in badminton at the Paralympics, competing in the men’s singles SL3 category. By defeating Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell, Kumar not only showcased his exceptional skill and tactical prowess but also contributed to India's dominance in para-badminton. This achievement follows Pramod Bhagat's significant win in 2016, highlighting a continuing legacy of excellence in the sport. Kumar's victory is particularly remarkable given his inspirational journey from aspiring to join the defence forces to becoming a Paralympic champion.